[Goaltending]

Garunteed he has to get the start in Anaheim. If any goalie can win there, he's it.

 

He's over a 0.95 through 4 games against tough opposition on the road.

 

Maybe its just a hot streak, but I'm hoping he can actually play this way consistently.

[Goaltending]

Its the +/- that's just terrible though.

 

No, definitely not bro-dano levels are expected, but at least try and keep it out of the double digit negatives.

 

Engelland is a toughness we need, but we also need toughness that can at least not screw things up enough to lead to goals against. And sadly he's caused at least a half dozen by mistakes that I remember.

 

We need size and toughness, but his toughness isn't scaring the other team away from scoring goals, so its really  not all that helpful.

 

Gratz was sent down because he brought toughness but little else. Engelland brings toughness AND costs us.

 

It's not terrible, I agree with you there. But its cost us a game or two, and with the playoff picture as it is that's not something we can afford to have keep happening.

 

 

I don't watch the prospects, but how is Kanzig for physicality/toughness? At his size it might be worth bringing him up at some point.

[Goaltending]

IMO, Ortio is one lose away from being sent down.  In the meantime lets enjoy the W's and reward the kid for several years of good play.  Flames need to show him there is light at the end of tunnel.  I don't think there is any hurry on moving a GT but you can been the issue is now being discussed and explored.

 

Could be for sure, unless he wins about 5 more games first. Its the simplest option. Let him ride out the year in the AHL, and then come up next year with Hiller as backup probably.

 

Still, its worth debating if his quality of play remains consistent.

 

There's no hurry to move someone before the end of this year I agree, but there should be some interest in upgrading our bottom pairing. Diaz is servicable, but the others need to go out the door, but there's no way they're worth anything in trade, and I'm reluctant to give up any forward on the team right now other than Raymond or Bollig who also have little value.

 

I would be open to moving a prospect forward (other than Poirier) with Hiller/Ramo and a pick for a better D though. Wotherspoon and Kanzig are probably serviciable in a year or two though. so the question is whether its worth it.

[Goaltending]

No surprise there.  Hartley has been consistent with his goalies.  The message has been clear for two years now, if you win you play again.  The Flames have room on the roster for 3 goaltenders, its not ideal and no one likes it but Ortio.  W's provide for an exception.  

 

The question becomes (if that was to happen), do we want to carry 3? or use it as an opportunity to upgrade 5/6 d in a trade?

 

We theoretically have enough cap space we could eat half of Hiller's salary if need be. Unfortunately, all the other pieces we need to offload have little to no trade value.

[Goaltending]

Its official he's getting the start in LA.

 

If he can get a win there then I say he at least gets a shot in Anaheim.

 

If he wins that....things get VERY interesting.